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Beijing A week later, on Friday, sanctions were imposed against 20 US defense-related companies and 10 officials Washington announced large-scale arms sales to taiwan,
Sanctions include freezing the assets of companies China and banning individuals and organizations from dealing with them, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
Companies include Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, L3Harris Maritime Services and Boeing in St. Louis, while the founder of defense firm Anduril Industries palmer luckey Sanctioned officials are among those who can no longer do business in China and are barred from entering the country. His property in the East Asian country has also been confiscated.
The announcement of a US arms-sales package worth more than $10 billion has drawn an angry reaction from China, which claims Taiwan and says it should come under its control.
If approved by the US Congress, it would be the largest US arms package ever for the self-ruled territory.
“We once again emphasize that the Taiwan question lies at the core of China’s core interests and is the first red line that should not be crossed in China-US relations,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Friday. “Any company or individual involved in arms sales to Taiwan must pay the price of wrongdoing.”
The ministry also urged the US to stop “the dangerous move of arming Taiwan”.
Taiwan is a major flashpoint in US-China relations and analysts worry it could lead to military conflict between the two powers. China says US arms sales to Taiwan would violate diplomatic agreements between China and the US
China’s military has increased its presence in Taiwan’s skies and waters over the past few years, and has been conducting joint exercises with its warships and fighter aircraft on an almost daily basis near the island.
Under US federal law, the US is obliged to assist Taiwan in its self-defense, an issue that has become increasingly contentious with China. Beijing already has strained relations with Washington over trade, technology and other human rights issues.